Demolition work continued on Tuesday in the Dal Mandi area in Varanasi for road widening and strengthening. This is part of the Uttar Pradesh BJP government’s road-widening project.

The demolition drive in Dalmandi Market on Monday was one of the largest single-day bulldozer actions by the Adityanath government in recent days.

On Monday, a shopkeeper, in protest, poured inflammable material on his balcony and set it on fire. Based on the complaint of Dal Mandi outpost in-charge Prakash Singh Chauhan, a case has been registered at the Chowk police station against Ajmat and Farooq Khan, and other unidentified individuals under Section 221 of the BNS and Section 7 of the CL Act.

On Tuesday, Assistant Police Commissioner Dr. Atul Anjan Tripathi stated that Farooq has been arrested, while Ajmat remains at large. Ajmat was the one who set the fire. The demolition of the remaining 21 dilapidated houses that were scheduled to be demolished yesterday will continue today.

The team is carrying out demolition operations on the identified buildings. More than 30 houses have been demolished so far. KK Singh, Executive Engineer of the Public Works Department (PWD), stated that notices have already been issued to the owners of dilapidated buildings.

Meanwhile, women, along with men, have now begun protesting the ongoing demolition drive in Dal Mandi. During the crackdown, women continuously came out of their homes and protested. Currently, PAC personnel have been deployed along with forces from several police stations, and drone surveillance is being conducted.

On January 31, 2026, demolition notices were served on 29 properties, terming them dilapidated and unfit for residence and normal use. The residents and shop-owners, however, said they were given notice to do repair work, and not for demolition.

Following the unprecedented tourism development of Ayodhya, Kashi, Sangam City and Mathura, in line with the vision of PM Modi, Uttar Pradesh Tourism is now focusing on the state’s Bundelkhand region to revive its historical prominence.

Nestled within this region, Mahoba is known for its rich heritage and cultural legacy, shaped by the valour and sacrifice of legendary warriors Alha and Udal, making it one of the most historically significant districts of the state.

On the directions of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, under the Swadesh Darshan 2.O scheme, an integrated tourism development project at a total cost of ₹24.98 crore is being implemented at full pace, in which the 10 per cent amount has been released to UPPCL, Banda, which has been designated as the executing agency for the entire project.

The initiative aims to strengthen tourism infrastructure through the development of key facilities, including a Sun Interpretation Centre, the development of the Triangular Garden, the construction of entrance gates, and the installation of signage. The target is to complete the entire project approximately by the end of 2026.

Informing about the ambitious plan, state Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said, “Bundelkhand is not just a region; it is a living chapter of our civilisational history and the land of sacrifice of legendary warriors Alha and Udal. Guided by the vision of Hon’ble PM Modi and under the leadership of CM Yogi, initiatives such as Swadesh Darshan 2.0 are reviving Mahoba’s historical legacy while strengthening its tourism infrastructure.”

“With nearly 28 lakh visitors recorded in 2025, Mahoba’s growing prominence is evident. This project will further improve visitor facilities and help preserve the region’s heritage, identity, and cultural pride for future generations,” he said.

The major attraction of the project is the Sun Interpretation Centre, being developed in an area of 4,210 square metres. The centre will interpret the scientific significance and cultural narratives associated with the Sun in Indian tradition, with a distinctive roof design symbolising the ‘Eight Prahars’ of a day: ‘Usha, Purvanha, Madhyanha, Aparanha, Sayankal, Pradosha, Nishitha, and Triyama’.

A specially designed sundial will indicate time through the first rays of sunlight, while eco-friendly features such as solar panels, rainwater harvesting, grass pavers, and integrated waste management systems will reinforce the project’s focus on sustainable and green tourism in the centre.

Moreover, the Sun Interpretation Centre will house a series of thoughtfully curated galleries where an Indian and Western religious beliefs gallery will present the story of Surya alongside Helios, who is the personification of the Sun in ancient Greek religion, through murals and sculptures.

Another gallery will highlight major Sun temples of India, including the Konark Sun Temple and Martand Sun Temple, supported by architectural models and visual elements. A dedicated Sun and Astronomy Gallery will explain astronomical principles, including the role of the Sun in determining seasons, calendars, and celestial movements.

The experience will conclude with a Sun and Astrology Gallery, interpreting astrological concepts and the connection of the Sun with human life, enhanced through immersive 3D projections and sound effects for an engaging visitor experience, explained Amrit Abhijat, ACS Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs.

The Perth chapter of the Indian School of Mines Alumni Association (ISMAA) celebrated the centenary of the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad with a special event that brought together alumni, families and well-wishers, reaffirming the institute’s global footprint and enduring legacy.

The centenary programme formed part of a series of commemorative events being organised by IIT (ISM) alumni chapters across the world to mark 100 years of the institution’s contribution to technical education, research and nation-building. Alumni from different generations reflected on their shared journey and the institute’s evolution over the decades.

Director of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, Prof Sukumar Mishra, extended his greetings to the Perth chapter through a recorded message, describing the centenary as a landmark moment celebrating “a century of excellence, innovation and dedication”. He noted that the institute has produced generations of leaders, innovators and professionals who have made their mark across sectors and continents.

Highlighting the institute’s core values, Prof Mishra said IIT (ISM)’s strength lies in its commitment to academic excellence, passion for learning, and a strong sense of community. He expressed pride in the alumni, stating that their achievements reflect the institution’s rich academic and professional heritage.

Thanking the alumni for their continued engagement and support, the director said such overseas celebrations were not only a tribute to the past but also a reaffirmation of collective responsibility towards the institute’s future growth. He invited alumni to reconnect with their alma mater and witness its expanding academic and research ecosystem as it enters its second century.

The Perth event featured interactive discussions, cultural programmes and networking sessions, aimed at strengthening alumni bonds and deepening their association with the institute. The celebrations concluded with a renewed resolve among alumni to contribute to the growth and global standing of IIT (ISM) Dhanbad.

Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav launched a scathing attack on the central BJP government on Tuesday, saying that if everything related to agriculture is imported, the country’s farmers would be completely ruined.

He questioned what farmers would grow, what they would sell, and how they would support their families with their hard-earned money.

Posting on his social media account, Akhilesh Yadav said, “If farmers do not receive a fair price for their crops, how will they be able to fulfil their social responsibilities, such as educating their children, treating the elderly, and marrying their daughters? If it is difficult to feed themselves today, hoping to save for tomorrow will be futile.’

He alleged that no government can run the country for long by harming farmers. The BJP government should clarify why it is surrendering the interests of the country’s food providers to foreign forces, he alleged. Sometimes, in the name of land acquisition, conspiracies are hatched to snatch away farming, and sometimes, farmers are pushed into crisis through black laws, he claimed.

The SP president alleged that the BJP’s focus is not on farming and production, but on middlemen. Instead of increasing production, this government is promoting commission-taking. He demanded that the BJP-backed middlemen sitting between farming and farmers should be exposed.

Akhilesh Yadav said that today, farmers are clearly saying that they do not want the BJP. He claimed that only with the BJP government’s departure will the future of farming and farmers be secured.

Academy Award-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones has signed on to star in the psychological thriller Cupid, directed by Tate Taylor.

The project was confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. Taylor is best known for films such as The Help and The Girl on the Train.

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A marriage counsellor with dangerous methods

In Cupid, Zeta-Jones plays an unconventional marriage counsellor whose techniques go far beyond traditional therapy. The story centres on a couple on the verge of divorce who spend a weekend at the counsellor’s home, hoping to repair their relationship that is on brink.

What begins as a sincere attempt at reconciliation soon takes a disturbing turn, as the counsellor’s increasingly cruel and manipulative methods push the couple into a dangerous psychological situation.

Script and filming details

The film is based on a screenplay by the Van Dyke brothers, who earlier wrote Don’t Worry Darling. Tate Taylor will direct the film, with production expected to begin in late summer or early fall 2026 in Natchez, Mississippi.

Director Tate Taylor on the project

Speaking about the film, Taylor said, “This movie, Cupid? Let’s just say… you may never want to seek counseling again. Or perhaps you will, assuming you can handle it. I’m thrilled to take this journey with Catherine. There is no better artist to bring this unique thriller to life,” as quoted by The Hollywood Reporter.

Production and global sales

The psychological thriller will be produced by John Norris, Tate Taylor, and Ryan Donnell Smith. International sales will be handled by Upgrade, which is set to present the film to buyers at the European Film Market in Berlin this week.

CAA Media Finance, which arranged the film’s financing, will oversee distribution rights in the United States.

Commenting on the project, Upgrade’s Jonathan Kier said, “‘Cupid’ brings together stellar talent on both sides of the camera. This is a smart, contained genre film with real scale in the marketplace, with a global star and a director who has consistently delivered successful, audience-driven thrillers,” according to Variety.

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The visit of Seychelles President Patrick Herminie to Agra, scheduled for Tuesday, has been cancelled.

According to information received from the Archaeological Department, Dr Herminie was scheduled to arrive in Agra with his wife on Tuesday morning to visit the Taj Mahal, but the visit was cancelled just before his arrival.

Following the cancellation of the foreign dignitary’s visit, the Taj Mahal was opened to general visitors.

In view of President Dr Herminie’s proposed visit, the Taj Mahal would have been closed for general visitors for three hours and reopened at around 12 noon.

A peacock dance was also planned to showcase Indian culture. Security agencies had made elaborate arrangements for this visit, and CISF personnel were deployed inside the Taj Mahal for the purpose.

Diversification of revenue streams has emerged as a critical buffer for brokerage firms amid rising regulatory and tax-related headwinds, according to a report by Crisil Ratings.

The assessment comes in the backdrop of a proposed increase in securities transaction tax (STT) on derivatives in the Union Budget 2026–27 and a series of regulatory changes introduced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).

Crisil Ratings said recent policy measures aimed at curbing speculative activity and enhancing investor protection have led to a sharp decline in trading volumes.

Average daily turnover across capital market segments fell by about 25 per cent in the second half of the previous fiscal year, and despite a partial recovery, remains below earlier peaks. This resulted in a six per cent year-on-year decline in industry revenues in the first half of fiscal 2026.

The rating agency analysed the performance of 25 broking firms over fiscal 2025 and the first half of fiscal 2026, categorising them into traditional brokerages, diversified players and proprietary trading firms.

The study found that firms with diversified income sources, such as distribution, wealth management, investment banking, and interest income from margin trading facilities, were better positioned to absorb market volatility.

According to Crisil, diversified players derived nearly two-thirds of their revenues from non-broking and non-trading activities, enabling them to record the least impact from regulatory and volume-related disruptions.

In contrast, traditional brokerage firms, which depend heavily on transaction fees, saw revenues decline by around 15 per cent in the second half of fiscal 2025 compared with the first half.

Proprietary trading firms were the most affected, with revenues falling by about 25 per cent in the second half of fiscal 2025 following SEBI’s decision to limit weekly expiry derivative products, which reduced arbitrage opportunities.

Crisil warned that the proposed hike in STT could further impact proprietary traders, including high-frequency traders and arbitrageurs, who account for nearly 60 per cent of market volumes.

While several brokerage firms have taken steps to diversify their revenue mix and increase interest income from margin trading, Crisil said the effectiveness of these measures in cushioning against future regulatory or external shocks remains to be seen.

The report also cautioned that higher taxes on derivatives could adversely affect market liquidity and trading activity in the near term.

The Uttar Pradesh assembly was adjourned for the day after paying condolences on the death of two sitting members on Tuesday.

On the second day of the budget session, the state assembly took up obituary references of two sitting members—BJP’s Dr Shyam Bihari Lal and SP’s Vijay Singh Gond—who died in January.

The condolence motion was moved by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Leader of the Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey, along with other party leaders, paid their condolences.

After obituary references by Speaker Satish Mahana, the House observed a 2-minute silence. Later, the House was adjourned for the day.

BJP MLA Dr Shyam Bihari Lal died on January 2, a day after his 60th birthday. He was a two-time MLA from the Faridpur assembly segment of the Bareilly district.

SP MLA Vijay Singh Gond, a tribal, died on January 8. He was an eight-time MLA and was elected from the Duddhi assembly segment of Sonbhadra district.

Tomorrow, the UP government will table the budget proposals for 2026-27 in the state assembly at 1100 hrs.

The budget session commenced yesterday with the Governor’s address to the joint sitting of the state legislature.

A BJP candidate died by suicide in Telangana’s Makthal municipality early Tuesday, just a day before civic elections, triggering sharp political allegations and calls for action against Congress leaders.

Yerukala Mahadevappa, a 46-year-old BJP candidate from Ward 6 of Makthal Municipality in Narayanpet district, was found dead at around 5.30 am, police said. According to the police, a case has been registered, and the body has been sent for post-mortem examination. The incident comes on the eve of municipal elections scheduled for Wednesday.

Police confirmed the death and said investigations were underway to determine the circumstances leading to the suicide.

BJP alleges coercion and intimidation ahead of polls

The BJP has accused local Congress leaders and a sitting minister of sustained harassment, claiming Mahadevappa was pressured to withdraw from the election and forced to switch parties.

Telangana BJP president N Ramchander Rao alleged that Mahadevappa, who belonged to a tribal community, had been under pressure for several days.

“… Today early in the morning, BJP tribal candidate from ward 6 of Maktal municipality committed suicide because of the harassment by the local minister Vakiti Srihari. He was being harassed by the Congress party leaders for the last many days. He was forced to join the Congress. He somehow came out of their clutches and got a BJP ticket, and he was contesting. He was a BJP worker from the very beginning. Because of the harassment and threats by the local minister and his goons, he committed suicide this morning. BJP condemns this and wants the minister to be suspended and demands his arrest. Also, the tribal commission should take cognisance of this matter…”

Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP K Laxman said the issue was raised in Parliament, pointing to the timing of the incident just before polling.

“The municipal elections will be held tomorrow. Our candidate from Makthal municipality was constantly under pressure from Congress & CM to withdraw his nomination. He committed suicide last night. I raised this matter in the Parliament today. The whole country is seeing how Congress is behaving. Immediate action should be taken in this case.”

Party questions police response, calls incident a threat to democracy

BJP Telangana chief spokesperson and media in-charge NV Subash said Mahadevappa had faced repeated threats and accused the police of inaction despite complaints.

“Yerukala Mahadevappa, BJP’s candidate from Makthal Municipality’s 6th ward and a member of the tribal community, was allegedly subjected to continuous intimidation by Congress functionaries. The BJP will not tolerate such coercive and anti-democratic tactics. Our candidate was reportedly threatened repeatedly, pushing him to an extreme step. This is not an isolated incident but part of a dangerous pattern.

“The police are behaving like Congress cadres, failing to register complaints despite repeated representations by BJP candidates facing threats. If Congress is so confident of sweeping the elections, why this desperation? Is it because the BJP’s rally in Makthal drew unprecedented public support?

“With elections scheduled for tomorrow, this incident exposes the Congress’s fear and its willingness to undermine democracy through intimidation.”

The Tobacco Board has urged the Union government to reconsider the recent hike in excise duties on cigarettes, warning that the move could sharply increase illicit trade and severely impact millions of tobacco farmers, workers, and small retailers across the country.

In a letter to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Tobacco Board Chairman Yashwanth Kumar Chidipothu said the excise duty increase notified on December 31, 2025, has resulted in an effective price rise of nearly 60 per cent in real terms, causing widespread distress across the tobacco value chain.

According to the Board, Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco farmers have raised serious concerns that the sharp tax hike will lead to a significant reduction in procurement by the legal cigarette industry, the primary domestic buyer of FCV tobacco.

This, the Board said, could depress market prices below the cost of cultivation, estimated at around Rs 200 per kg, pushing farmers into deep financial distress.

The Chairman noted that farmers in several regions have already begun staging protests and submitting representations to their Members of Parliament. Drawing on past experience, he pointed out that a 22 per cent tax increase in 2014 led to a price decline of Rs 20–30 per kilogram.

With higher input costs and a global surplus of tobacco, prices could now fall by Rs 60–70 per kilogram, further aggravating farmers’ debt.

The Board also warned that steep tax and price differentials could accelerate the growth of the illicit cigarette market.

Cigarette prices in India could rise to around Rs 400 per pack, compared with Rs 75–80 in neighbouring countries, creating strong incentives for smuggling. Currently, about 26 per cent of India’s cigarette market is estimated to be illegal, making it the fourth-largest illicit cigarette market globally.

Such an expansion, the Board said, would reduce government revenues, weaken legitimate businesses, and shift value chain benefits to foreign producers, potentially resulting in a loss of nearly 40 million man-days of employment. Illicit products also bypass health regulations and are increasingly linked to organised criminal networks and money laundering.

Citing international examples, the Chairman referred to South Africa, where illicit cigarettes are estimated to account for 60–75 per cent of the market, leading to the announced closure of British American Tobacco’s only manufacturing plant in the country by the end of 2026.

He also pointed to Australia, where authorities intensified enforcement in 2025, seizing more than 16 million illicit cigarettes and shutting down dozens of retail outlets amid concerns over organised crime.

The Tobacco Board said addressing the issue requires a balanced and enforceable tax policy, along with stronger enforcement, effective track-and-trace mechanisms, and coordinated regulatory oversight.

It stressed that the issue extends beyond revenue considerations and has wider implications for farmer livelihoods, employment, public health, and law enforcement.

Manipur’s Ukhrul district remained on the edge on Tuesday following fresh violence over the alleged assault of a Tangkhul Naga community member. Internet has been suspended in the Manipur district for five days after several houses, which were abandoned, were set on fire this morning. There are also reports of shots being fired.

Following the fresh incidents of violence, the state government issued an order to suspend internet services. The order said there was a possibility of the internet being misused to further fan the violence.

“In view of the volatile law and order situation in Ukhrul District, there is apprehension that some anti-social elements might use social media extensively for transmission of images, posts and video messages inciting the passions of the public which might have serious repercussions on the law-and-order situation in the State of Manipur. The State Government, after reviewing the prevailing law and order situation and its possible co-relation with the general operation of internet services, decided to order for temporary suspension/curbing of internet/data services including services through Broadband, VPN and VSAT in the whole revenue jurisdiction of Ukhrul District for 5(five) day as preventive and precautionary measure,” stated the order.

Reports said the incidents of violence were reported from the Litan Sareikhong area. A police officer reportedly said the firing was done by armed men, who also set several houses on fire. The situation was reported to be tense, with security forces deployed to bring the situation under control.

A state minister was reported as saying yesterday that at least 21 houses had been torched. Reports today put the number at over 30.

#WATCH | Manipur | ⁠Security Forces present in Litan village, Ukhrul, after recent incident of violent clash between the Tangkhul and Kuki tribes

As per the district, the Internet is suspended in the Ukhrul District for 5 days due to volatile law and order situation. pic.twitter.com/d9jDdr48Dk

— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2026

Earlier, two Tangkhul Naga organisations had banned the movement of Kukis in Ukhrul and Kamjong districts.

The violence comes close on the heels of Kuki and Tangkhul Naga villagers, mostly women, children and elderly persons, leaving the Litan Sareikhong and neighbouring Kuki villages for safer places in Kangpokpi and Ukhrul districts.

BJP MLA airlifted to Delhi after mob attack amid Manipur unrest

The violence also comes just days after the President’s Rule was lifted in Manipur last week, with the state getting a new Chief Minister in Yumnam Khemchand Singh.

The BJP CM has called on all communities to remain calm in the state and uphold peace. Singh posted on social media, “The incident, arising out of a misunderstanding, is now under control. I appeal to all communities to exercise restraint, uphold the rule of law, and maintain peace and harmony,” the CM added.

The Directorate of Enforcement has registered an ECIR in the Tirupati laddu adulteration case to begin the probe into allegations of money laundering.

The Central agency registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act against the accused, sources said on Tuesday.

The ED launched the investigation based on the charge sheets filed by the CBI-led Special Investigation Team (SIT) in the case.

There are allegations of hawala-based transactions by the accused. The private dairy firms and intermediaries allegedly paid bribes through hawala channels to some officials of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) to influence ghee tenders and quality clearances.

The ED will investigate the money trail and the role of the hawala network in the entire case.

SIT filed the charge sheet in a court in Nellore district on January 23, 2026. It reportedly names 36 accused, including directors of dairy companies.

Shell companies were allegedly used for financial transactions, alleged to be worth Rs 250 crore.

The TTD officials were allegedly bribed to pass off mixtures of vegetable oils and chemicals as pure ghee.

The ED investigation began days after the Andhra Pradesh government announced a one-man committee to conduct a comprehensive examination of a report submitted by the SIT to initiate administrative action against the individuals concerned

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced on February 5 that the committee will identify lapses and fix responsibility.

Once the committee completes its review, the government will initiate appropriate action in accordance with the findings, he said.

The alleged adulteration occurred between 2019 and 2024 when the YSR Congress Party was in power.

After SIT filed its charge sheet, YSRCP claimed that the SIT had given a clean chit, as it made it clear that the ghee was not adulterated with animal fat as alleged by Chief Minister Naidu. Terming the adulteration as a grave offence against devotees’ faith, Chandrababu Naidu asserted that no report has given a clean chit to the YSRCP in the matter.

He also alleged that bathroom cleaners were used in adulterated ghee for making laddus.

The Kanpur Police on Tuesday said Shivam Mishra has been named in the FIR related to the Lamborghini accident on VIP Road after CCTV footage indicated that he was driving the luxury car at the time of the crash. The incident, which occurred on Sunday afternoon near Jhula Park Crossing, left several people injured and triggered competing claims from the police and the defence.

Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal said Mishra’s name was added during the course of the investigation. Police teams that visited his residence were informed that he is currently hospitalised in Delhi. His father has been served a notice and has assured cooperation.

“This investigation is going on. As I had told you, his name was not there earlier. His name has come up in the investigation, and our police have gone to his house to interrogate him,” Lal told ANI.

CCTV footage central to police case

The Police Commissioner said the decision to include Shivam Mishra in the FIR was based on evidence collected so far, particularly CCTV footage from the area.

#WATCH | CCTV visuals of the Lamborghini car accident in Kanpur, provided by Kanpur Traffic Police

As per Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghubir Lal, the car driven by Shivam Mishra has been seized. An FIR has been registered. pic.twitter.com/v06iFbWGgZ

— ANI (@ANI) February 10, 2026

“When Shivam’s name comes up in our investigation, it means that we are satisfied that the driver was Shivam. We have CCTV footage. His name has been included in the FIR,” he said.

The Lamborghini involved in the incident has been seized, and the case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The investigation has been handed over to Sub-Inspector Dinesh Kumar.

Police also said only one person sustained injuries, which were described as minor. Mishra’s father, Lal added, will participate in the investigation after being issued notice.

Defence disputes police version

Mishra’s legal team has rejected the police claim, maintaining that he was not driving the car at the time of the accident. His lawyer, Mrityunjay Kumar, said the vehicle was being driven by a hired driver, Mohan, and argued that no case should lie against Mishra.

“Shivam was not driving; his driver, Mohan, was. This is an accident case. When he was not driving, then there can be no case against him,” the lawyer said.

Another lawyer representing Mishra, Dharmendra Singh Dharmu, said his client is undergoing treatment in Delhi due to health issues. He added that the driver had applied to surrender before the court and had also filed a bail plea and a request for the release of the car.

According to the defence, an autorickshaw allegedly struck the Lamborghini, following which it hit a motorcycle.

What happened on VIP Road

The accident took place around 1:45 pm on Sunday near Jhula Park Crossing. The Lamborghini first struck a parked Bullet motorcycle and then hit a passerby. The complainant suffered serious injuries to his left leg, ankle, and other parts of the body, while the motorcycle was badly damaged. Several pedestrians were also injured.

DCP Central Kanpur Atul Kumar Srivastava said no arrests have been made so far.

“A case has been registered, and a serious investigation is underway. Action will be taken based on the facts that emerge from the investigation,” he told ANI.

Eyewitness Satyendra Singh Chandel described a chaotic aftermath, alleging that people accompanying the luxury car broke its window and took the driver away in another vehicle. He said four to five people were injured in the incident.

Political reaction stresses accountability

BJP leader Aparna Bisht Yadav termed the incident “very unfortunate” and said ownership of an expensive vehicle does not place anyone above the law.

“Just because you have a very expensive car does not mean you have a licence to kill someone. One should behave responsibly,” she said, adding that strict action would be taken if wrongdoing is established.

Director Semmalar Annam’s Tamil film Mayilaa has been nominated for the NETPAC Award at the 2026 International Film Festival of Rotterdam (IFFR).

The film had its world premiere at the festival earlier this month and received a warm response from audiences.

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Recognition at a major international platform

The NETPAC Award, given by the Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema, honours Asian films that stand out for their creativity, cultural relevance, and cinematic quality.

A film that connected with festival audiences

Mayilaa offers a quiet yet powerful look at the life of a young working woman as she navigates her way towards self-respect and independence.

The film’s grounded storytelling and emotional honesty struck a chord with viewers during its Rotterdam screening. The NETPAC nomination marks a key moment in the film’s growing international festival journey.

Backed by Pa. Ranjith and Newton Cinema

The film is presented by filmmaker Pa. Ranjith and produced by Newton Cinema, founded by Anto Chittilappally. P. Melody Dorcas leads the film, with V. Shudar Kodi playing an important supporting role.

Strong technical team behind the film

The technical crew includes cinematographer Vinoth Janakiraman, editor A. Sreekar Prasad, music composer Nandhan Kalaivanan, sound designer Anand Krishnamoorthi, and sync sound recordist Amrith Shankar.

The team reacts to the nomination

Sharing her thoughts, director Semmalar Annam said, “This NETPAC nomination is a meaningful recognition for our entire team. We made ‘Mayilaa’ with deep care and honesty, and it is encouraging to see the film being acknowledged at IFFR.”

Producer Anto Chittilappally added, “From the world premiere at Rotterdam to this nomination, the journey of ‘Mayilaa’ has been very rewarding. It is a proud moment for us and for everyone who worked on the film.”

Pa. Ranjith, who presents the film, described it as “a socially rooted and emotionally sincere film”, adding that such stories deserve to reach global platforms.

In a joint statement, the cast and crew said they were grateful for the recognition, calling the nomination encouraging and meaningful.

More festival screenings ahead

According to sources close to the team, Mayilaa will continue its festival run with more international screenings planned in the coming months.

Also Read: Anand revisited: How Hrishikesh Mukherjee, Rajesh Khanna, Amitabh Bachchan redefined life, friendship, Hindi cinema

Sunjay Kapur estate row: On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court stepped into the messy fight over late businessman Sunjay Kapur’s massive estate and made one clear suggestion: stop fighting in public and try mediation.

Sunjay Kapur’s death has left behind not just wealth worth thousands of crores, but also a deeply divided family. At the centre of the storm is his personal estate, which is now being claimed by different sides with very different stories.

His third wife, Priya Sachdev Kapur, says Sunjay left his entire personal estate to her through a will dated 2025, which she has placed before the court.

But the story does not end there.

Karisma Kapoor enters the legal battle

Actor Karisma Kapoor, Sunjay Kapur’s ex-wife, has challenged that will, not directly, but on behalf of their two children.

Her side has alleged that the 2025 will produced by Priya Kapur is forged. With children involved and futures at stake, the case has moved far beyond paperwork.

Sunjay Kapur’s mother questions everything

Adding another voice to the dispute is Rani Kapur, Sunjay Kapur’s mother.

She has not only challenged the authenticity of the will but has also raised serious questions about Priya Kapur’s control over the estate.

 

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Rani Kapur has gone step further by filing separate suit asking the court to declare the family trust illegal. The trust itself has value of several thousand crores making it one of the most valuable assets in the dispute.

Court calls it a “sorry state of affairs”

Justice Mini Pushkarna, who heard the matter, described the situation in unusually emotional terms.

She said the case showed a “very sorry state of affairs”, adding that “a lot of dirty linen was being washed in the open.”

The court noted that while everyone involved had suffered a great personal loss, they had also immense wealth, something that should bring comfort, not conflict.

This blessing, the judge warned, should not turn into a curse.

The judge said no parent should have to experience death of their child while still alive calling it a deep and lasting suffering. At the same time, the court acknowledged that Priya Kapur is also suffering, now raising children on her own.

Court urges Priya Kapur to take the lead

Addressing Senior Advocate Akhil Sibal, who is representing Priya Kapur, the judge made a pointed request.

She said the court expected a more proactive approach from Priya’s side, especially since she is currently “at the helm of the affairs.”

Justice Pushkarna said that if anyone could help move the matter toward resolution, it was Priya Kapur, and that the court expected her to make that effort.

The court also stressed that Priya Kapur and her children must be taken care of, acknowledging that she is now alone and managing responsibilities on her own.

At the same time, the judge made it clear that interests of all parties including Sunjay Kapur’s mother and children from his previous marriage must be under protection.

No side, the court said, should walk away feeling ignored or defeated.

The fight over ₹28 crore dividend

During the hearing, the court considered two important applications.

Rani Kapur has asked the court to stop the release of an interim dividend of around ₹28 crore to Priya Kapur from the family trust.

On the other hand, Priya Kapur has filed an application seeking rejection of her mother-in-law’s suit challenging the trust.

The court issued notices in both applications but did not pass final orders at this stage.

Mediation suggested as tempers cool

As the hearing came to an end, Justice Pushkarna once again urged all sides to consider settling the dispute amicably through mediation.

She directed lawyers for all parties to speak to their clients and seek instructions on whether they are willing to explore this path.

The court made it clear that mediation should be fair and must safeguard the interests of everyone involved.

For now, the legal war pauses, but it is far from over. The Delhi High Court will hear this matter again on March 23.

The Indian men’s hockey team will open its FIH Men’s Pro League 2025–26 campaign at home during the Rourkela leg, scheduled from February 10 to 15 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, where the hosts will take on Belgium and Argentina in what promises to be a high-intensity start to the season.

After finishing eighth in the previous edition, India will aim to begin the new campaign on a strong note and build early winning momentum in front of the home crowd. The squad, featuring a balanced mix of experienced internationals and emerging young talent, will look to capitalise on familiar conditions as they take on two of the world’s top-ranked teams.

While India are yet to open their campaign, both Argentina and Belgium arrive in Rourkela after a solid start to the season. Argentina currently sit second in the standings with 11 points, having played four matches, in which they recorded three regulation-time wins and one shootout victory. Belgium, meanwhile, are placed third with 10 points, also from four matches, having secured three regulation-time wins and one shootout defeat.

India will begin their campaign against Belgium on February 11, followed by a clash against Argentina on 12th February. The hosts will once again face Belgium on 14th February before concluding the leg against Argentina on February 15.

Historically, Belgium have enjoyed the upper hand in head-to-head encounters against India in recent years. Since 2013, the two sides have met 35 times, with Belgium winning 22 matches, India winning 11, and two matches ending in draws. Against Argentina, however, India hold a stronger record, winning 10 of their 19 meetings since 2013, compared to Argentina’s seven wins, with two draws.

Speaking ahead of their opening match, Indian team captain Harmanpreet Singh said, “I am very happy to see youngsters like Amandeep Lakra, Manmeet Singh and Rosan Kujur earning their opportunities in the squad. They have performed exceptionally well in the recent Hero Hockey India League and have shown great potential. This is the right time for them to step up at the international level, and I am confident they will make the most of this opportunity. The entire team is fit, motivated, and excited, and we are looking forward to seeing these young players express themselves and contribute strongly to the team’s performance.”

With passionate support expected at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, the Indian team will look to convert home advantage into crucial points and make a confident start to their FIH Pro League 2025–26 journey.

Meanwhile, sharing his thoughts ahead of the matches against Argentina and India, Belgium team captain Arthur Van Doren stated, “The Hero Hockey India League experience was great. I personally love coming to India, and winning the league made it even more special. Spending time here helps you get used to the conditions and the culture, which is always beneficial when you are here for a longer period. But whether it gives us a direct advantage as a Belgian team is hard to say; however, what really helped was that we arrived early. We had a solid and intense training block here, which meant we spent a lot of quality time together as a group during the winter.

“On top of that, many of our players featured in the Hero Hockey India League and performed really well. We feel sharp, we feel strong, and there’s a lot of confidence and energy in the squad. Overall, we’re very happy with our preparation going into the Rourkela leg of the Pro League,” he concluded.

When Nick Jonas married Priyanka Chopra, he didn’t just gain a superstar wife. He also stepped into a whole new universe filled with traditions, rituals, festivals, and faith. And according to Nick, that universe now feels very much like home.

Speaking on the Sach Sang Show, the singer opened up about how India and Hinduism have quietly but deeply shaped his life after marriage. What started as curiosity slowly turned into comfort and eventually, into something deeply personal.

Also Read: Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas steal the Golden Globes show: Nobody rocks it like our desi girl and jijaji

“India felt like magic,” says Nick

Nick shared that he always dreamed of having a big family and a partner who believed in close bonds. That dream came alive when he first visited India with Priyanka.

He described his first experience with her family and culture as “kind of magic.” Being surrounded by relatives, friends, food, and festivals gave him a sense of belonging he hadn’t expected.

Nick admitted that many of his favourite traditions today are Indian ones. Some of his most special memories are either from India or closely linked to it. For him, India is no longer just a place on the map. It’s an emotional space.

Discovering Hinduism and its meaning

 

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Nick also spoke about learning Hinduism after marriage. He didn’t approach it as outsider ticking boxes but as someone trying to understand its values.

He called Hinduism “profound and beautiful”. He highlighted concepts like karma, treating others the way you want to be treated; and dharma, which he described as deeply meaningful.

According to Nick, these ideas have stayed with him and influenced how he looks at life, relationships, responsibility.

Raising Malti in a multi-faith home

One of the most interesting parts of Nick’s conversation was about parenting. Nick and Priyanka are raising their daughter Malti Marie in a home where different religions and cultures exist side by side.

Nick revealed that they are teaching Malti real Hindu values in a way that is meaningful and respectful. At the same time, the family celebrates its Christian roots too.

He called himself “very blessed” to be part of a multicultural and multi-religious household, something he believes will give their daughter a strong moral and emotional foundation.

Faith, then and now

Nick also reflected on how his own faith has changed over the years. As a child, religion was a big part of his life, especially since his father was a preacher. But adulthood, marriage, and exposure to new beliefs reshaped his understanding.

Faith, he said, still matters deeply to him, it has just evolved.

A wedding that set the tone

Nick and Priyanka tied the knot in December 2018, celebrating both Hindu and Christian wedding ceremonies. The wedding itself became a symbol of their shared respect for each other’s beliefs.

They welcomed Malti Marie in 2022 via surrogacy, and since then, their family life seems rooted in balance, love, learning.